The 2016 Toronto Blue Jays Thread

[flames_fan_down_under]

After what was an awesome 2015 season, along with a breathtaking playoff run, the 2016 Toronto Blue Jays regular season has arrived!

What a crazy offseason it has been. Alex Anthopoulos and Paul Beeston are gone and Mark Shapiro and Ross don't call me Russ Atkins have replaced them.

There are some new faces (Drew Storen!), some old faces (R.A Dickey!), and some returning faces (J.A. Happ!).

Here is the schedule:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/images/y2016/schedule/printable_schedule_1119_300x388.gif

Roster:

Starting Lineup (9)
Edwin Encarnacion, DH
Russell Martin, C
Chris Colabello, 1B
Ryan Goins, 2B
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Michael Saunders, LF
Kevin Pillar, CF
Jose Bautista, RF

Bench (4)
Josh Thole, C
Darwin Barney, IF
Ezequiel Carrera, OF
Justin Smoak, 1B/DH

Starting Rotation (4)
Marcus Stroman, RHP
R.A. Dickey, RHP
Aaron Sanchez, RHP
J.A. Happ, LHP

Bullpen (8)
Roberto Osuna, RHP
Drew Storen, RHP
Brett Cecil, LHP
Gavin Floyd, RHP
Jesse Chavez, RHP
Ryan Tepera, RHP
Joe Biagini, RHP
Arnold Leon, RHP

link to a fancier roster here:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/depth_chart/?c_id=tor

It will be interesting to see how this team transforms as the season goes on! Remember last year when Hutchison was our opening day starter and Jose Reyes was on our team! Things have certainly changed.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

One more late move before the season gets underway.

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi
#BlueJays sign lefty Franklin Morales to a $2m, one-year deal, option Ryan Tepera to triple-Buffalo.

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi
Franklin Morales gives #BlueJays second lefty in bullpen. Last year with #Royals held LHB to .192/.245/.313 over 107 PAs

Another lefty for the pen. I like it.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Now we don't have to go to David Price for a lefty in the bullpen!

But in all serious good to pick up another lefty.

[Parallex]

Now we don't have to go to David Price for a lefty in the bullpen!

But in all serious good to pick up another lefty.

Still rather have Venditte... but Morales is a better option then Tempera.

[Jiggy_12]

Wow, am I missing something? Those are good numbers. Anyone know why the guy wasn't signed by anyone already? Definitely need that lefty right now.

Edit: answered my own question. Brewers cut him loose on Monday.

[Machiavelli]

Does anyone know of a good Blue Jays message board?

[Timbo]

I'm looking forward to this year. Let's hope it's a good one.

[ClubFlames]

2 run single for Edwin. Jays up 2-0 in the 1st!

[fundmark19]

Anyone who uses mlb.tv I just got blacked out

[vegasbound]

2-1 Toronto, heading into the 4th

[jayswin]

It doesn't look like the playoff run has had quite the effect on attendance that I thought it might originally. I read a couple months ago that there was some serious cooling of ticket interest for this upcoming season when the frustration over Rogers plan to stick to a budget became mainstream knowledge.

First series is virtually a sellout, but then you get past that and it looks a lot like early last season and every year before that. Under 20k sold for the first game against the Yankees. Obviously more will be sold as the series approaches, but they were talking 35k+ per game, like some of the bigger markets down south, this year, originally.

I'm sure it will be slightly better than prior years eventually, but certainly there's been talk of a cooling off this off season, not that Sportsnet would report on it, obviously.

[Skaloper]

Archers slider is nasty!

[JiriHrdina]

They said there are 2 million tix sold for the season right now. I don't know how that compares to previous seasons.

[bomber317]

Anyone who uses mlb.tv I just got blacked out

Posted in the other thread as well. Not blacked out for me. I am in Calgary.

[jayswin]

They said there are 2 million tix sold for the season right now. I don't know how that compares to previous seasons.

That's about 24k per game, I'd imagine a lot of that is season tickets. Anyone know what the season ticket base is?

[flames_fan_down_under]

Tulowitzki with a great play.

[jayswin]

Stroman's looked great today. He's certainly getting some great low calls, so he might as well keep going there.

[SportsJunky]

Joey Bats. The voice of reason.

[transplant99]

Stroman looks really really solid. Great news.

[jayswin]

Another great inning for Stroman, only six pitches. I wonder if they give him the 8th now. Not likely, but what a statement game as his first year in the number one slot.

I'm excited for this season, but god damn, could you imagine having Price as an ace with Stroman at number two AND Aaron Sanchez started to reach potential this season? Wow that would have been incredible.

[vegasbound]

Home run from Tulo!

[JiriHrdina]

What a nice swing

[flames_fan_down_under]

Picture perfect stuff.

[jayswin]

Awesome Tulo! This game is getting me really pumped for the season.

Question marks:

1. Can Stroman step up and handle the pressure of being number one?
2. Will Tulo settle in to the AL and have a strong offensive year?

Obviously just one game, but looking great on both accounts in game one.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Man Tulo is good. Its amazing how accurate he is with that side armed throw.

[jayswin]

Hahaha, Stroman just did a jumping heel click on the way to the dugout after 8 complete innings.

[Hatter]

Superb outing by Stroman today. What a beauty.

[Jiggy_12]

It's going to be such a luxury watching Tulo and Stroman for an entire (hopefully) season.

[Machiavelli]

Does anyone know of a good Blue Jays message board?

http://www.bluejaysmessageboard.com/

found one myself; was looking for input on MLB.tv but it doesn't look like there is much. Don't want to risk getting blacked out since I'm in Toronto area, so I guess it will be alternative methods for now.

Great outing by the Stro show.

[transplant99]

Gotta pull Stro now....no need to push it.

[jayswin]

http://www.bluejaysmessageboard.com/

found one myself; was looking for input on MLB.tv but it doesn't look like there is much. Don't want to risk getting blacked out since I'm in Toronto area, so I guess it will be alternative methods for now.

Great outing by the Stro show.

Ooooh, nice find Mach! Their game threads are even bigger than the Flames on CP. CP's always been a little weird for Raptors/Blue Jays, in that there's enough fans on here for both to be quite active but for whatever reason people just don't post very much, so save for playoff runs, you're left wanting.

I'll definitely check that place out, it's neat to be able to have opinions/comments flowing by the dozens per inning.

[jayswin]

Osuna picks up right where he left off. Hard to believe this guy's 21 years old.

[Skaloper]

Its never easy with the Rays. Come on Jays finish them!

[Machiavelli]

Its never easy with the Rays. Come on Jays finish them!

It's frickin' annoying. And I think the ump missed a swing call there

[jayswin]

There you go! First game, first win.

[vegasbound]

Blue Jays win!

[flames_fan_down_under]

Nice! Jays win! Lots to like about that game.

[Hockey Fan #751]

http://www.bluejaysmessageboard.com/

found one myself; was looking for input on MLB.tv but it doesn't look like there is much. Don't want to risk getting blacked out since I'm in Toronto area, so I guess it will be alternative methods for now.

Great outing by the Stro show.

I'm pretty sure there are no blackouts in Canada at all, no matter where you are.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Machiavelli I recommend MLB.tv. I had it last year and loved it. I can't comment on regional blackouts because I live in BC.

[fundmark19]

I'm pretty sure there are no blackouts in Canada at all, no matter where you are.

As noted before multiple times I was kicked off my stream and got a message of a blackout restriction was in effect for my region. After a couple mins I would be able to stream again. This is the first time it's happened to me in 4 years of watching.

[Hockey Fan #751]

As noted before multiple times I was kicked off my stream and got a message of a blackout restriction was in effect for my region. After a couple mins I would be able to stream again. This is the first time it's happened to me in 4 years of watching.

Where are you? Sorry, I thought you were in Florida.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Pretty impressive win beating Archer and the Rays at home on opening day. 3 RBIs without hitting a home run is what has me excited.

[Resolute 14]

They said there are 2 million tix sold for the season right now. I don't know how that compares to previous seasons.

They sold 2.375 million for all of 2014. 2 million also surpasses what seven teams did all of last year - including Philadelphia.

[mrkajz44]

Looks like they were just under 2.8M tickets for all of 2015, which put them 8th in the MLB (regular season only). That also factors in that they were pretty meh for about 2/3 of the season; basically until they got Price at the deadline. Ticket sales surely picked up after that.

I don't think last year was enough to change the fan dynamic yet. Lots of people got involved, but that playoff run was probably not enough to turn a lot of fans yet. If they come out of the gate strong I think they will get some big numbers again this year, but if they are .500 for a long stretch to start the season, interest will cool again until the pennant race (if the Jays are in it at that point).

[Resolute 14]

Prior to the trade deadline last year, the Jays were down attendance wise. They were averaging 28,938 (which would translate to 2.34 million over 81 games). The Jays averaged over 44,000 per game after the deadline.

Based on the Jays historical support and what they've already sold, even a bad team should average 30,000 per game this year even if the team were to tank. But another solid season should help some of those bandwagoners become more dedicated fans in the long run.

[flames_fan_down_under]

R.A Dickey on the mound today. I am very interested to see how this season will unfold for R.A..

[Karl]

Dickey gets out of his first jam. Good.

[Hockey Fan #751]

Prior to the trade deadline last year, the Jays were down attendance wise. They were averaging 28,938 (which would translate to 2.34 million over 81 games). The Jays averaged over 44,000 per game after the deadline.

Based on the Jays historical support and what they've already sold, even a bad team should average 30,000 per game this year even if the team were to tank. But another solid season should help some of those bandwagoners become more dedicated fans in the long run.

With no Canadian teams in the NHL playoffs, the Jays could really knock it out of the park (pardon the pun) if they got off to a good start.

[Karl]

Son of a bitch. Souza.

[Karl]

####ing Kiermaier...now he gets 2nd base too.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Dickey up to his old giving up lots of home runs thing again.

[Machiavelli]

I'm always so tense watching Dickey...rarely enjoy his starts

[Karl]

Nice D Tulo!

[Karl]

Ooh, fan interference? Either way, surprising power to say the least by Thole.

Or not! HR Thole!!!

[Machiavelli]

That ball was gone IMO

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Well, that was unexpected. I bashed the guy for about a minute straight before he hit that out. Oooops!

[Machiavelli]

Could anyone else pull off JD's hair? LOL

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Sac fly Tulo, 2-1 Jays.

[Karl]

Nice first to third running by Joey Bats.

[Karl]

Whoa, Colabello trying for a 500 foot HR there with his 1st swing.

[Karl]

Umps don't agree with each other. Off to the situation room in New York.

[Resolute 14]

Could anyone else pull off JD's hair? LOL

I have a buddy that got the Donaldson cut last year for the playoffs. When I suggested he try this year's style, I pretty much just got a flat "GTFO".

[Machiavelli]

Hmmm, gonna go with no catch

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Strange play. But why are two umps making calls at the same time?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

This is taking a loooooonnnnggggggg time.

[Skaloper]

So are we waiting on someone to read the rule book?

[Machiavelli]

This may be TMI but I was considering taking a crap but decided to wait this out. Wrong decision!

I guess there's still time...

[Skaloper]

I think they got it right

[KootenayFlamesFan]

So why isn't EE at 3rd? Did he not go?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I guess EE must have just stayed on 2B. I thought for a second he went to 3rd after it was dropped but I guess I was wrong.

[Skaloper]

I guess EE must have just stayed on 2B. I thought for a second he went to 3rd after it was dropped but I guess I was wrong.
He was confused if he needed to Tag up or not

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Saunders!!!!!

4-1 Jays!

[Karl]

Saunders!!! Yasssss!!!!!

[Skaloper]

Wow that was almost caught

[Machiavelli]

Woooooooooo!

I actually thought that was caught, lol

[Karl]

Thank god that #### Kiermaier didn't catch that one.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

This team is going to put up a lot of runs again this year, especially if Saunders and his pop can stay healthy.

[Sylvanfan]

Looks like the Saunders for Bruce deal falling apart could work out.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

JD!!!!!!

5-1 Jays

[Machiavelli]

Way to go MVP. Timing definitely back on that one!

[KelVarnsen]

Not 100% positive but I think they sell ice cream at this super ugly ballpark.

[Roof-Daddy]

If this team gets pitching, and stays relatively healthy, they are going to be scary.

[Dan02]

Caught my first at bat of the season and Donaldson sends it over the fence.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Dickey coming back out for the 6th.

[V]

So stressful watching Dickey pitch. Not that much fun.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Bad luck there, ball gets stuck in the webbing of Tulo's glove that looks like it's 40 years old.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Dickey done, Chavez comes in.

[transplant99]

13 innings from the starters through 2 games. No problem with that.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

4 straight balls, c'om Chavez, bear down here.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Base hit, 5-3.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Chavez doesn't exactly reek of confidence right now. Just needs to relax.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Thatta boy, strikeout, 2 out.

[The Big Chill]

Chavez gets out of it. Decent job after looking shaky.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Looked a lot more confident for the last couple batters. Good job.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfPY3mtVAAAHJe0.jpg:large

This is Tulo's glove. Spoiler for size of pic.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Wow!!!!!!! Pillar! What a catch!

[Machiavelli]

Yikes smashed his head

[Jiggy_12]

Holy s***!!
That might be his best ever!!

[TheAlpineOracle]

Pillar is absolute animal. Love his aggressiveness, but he's going to end up the DL soon. I thought he was going to be seriously hurt on that. Unfortunately not.

[Machiavelli]

No trainer assessment? He ran head first into the wall at full speed

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Great job by Cecil in the 7th (with help from Pillar).

[Sylvanfan]

I'm sure Sabremetrics will prove that catch by Pilar to be submediocre due to a poor route, lack of footspeed, or reaction. It looked frogged brilliant to my old man eye test.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I thought he was going to be seriously hurt on that. Unfortunately not.

Wait, what?

[TheAlpineOracle]

Wait, what?

He went head/shoulder first into the wall. I instantly though separated shoulder/concussion.

OH I see now. I meant "Fortunately not".

[KootenayFlamesFan]

EE strikes out swinging at junk.

[Machiavelli]

Geez, nothing again with RISP with no outs

Smoak....this is your time

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Would have been nice to get some insurance there.

[Karl]

I'm worried about Storen right now. I think he'll get his stuff sorted out eventually but it's been looking a bit flat and lacklustre during much of spring training.

Ugh. Damnit Smoak....

[Karl]

Nice breaking ball there (1st 2 strike pitch) too bad Souza didn't chase.

[Karl]

Take a seat, Souza.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

How the heck does he lay off some of those pitches? Either a great eye or lucky.

[Karl]

WTSF? Bull####. That 3-2 pitch was strike 3. Kiermaier should've been rung up! Right on the inside corner.

[Jiggy_12]

Nice to see Storen pitch out of that. A good first outing to help the confidence.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Wow, nice job by Storen. Threw some great pitches that inning, had some bad luck with the calls and the throw to 2nd by Thole. Glad to see him get out of it.

[Karl]

Justice! Storen makes up for the missed strike 3 on the same pitch to Kiermaier by Emmel. Back to your box Congee.

[Machiavelli]

Storen's velocity was underwhelming, but he showed good resolve there

[KootenayFlamesFan]

That'll do...........Jays win!

Nice job by Osuna.

[Machiavelli]

Way to battle out that win!

[ballin]

Good team win tonight. A bunch of guys contributed on both sides of the ball. Its important for R.A to get off to a good start this year as well.

[V]

I think the Jays are going to be pretty good this year. You never know, but things are looking good.

[puffnstuff]

On the Thole HR did they throw the guy that caught it out? Wouldnt he have been ok when the call on the field got overturned?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

On the Thole HR did they throw the guy that caught it out? Wouldnt he have been ok when the call on the field got overturned?

No, they kept showing him, they didn't toss him.

[Lil Pedro]

Saunders is warming up to me, just hope he stays healthy for the season

[KelVarnsen]

No, they kept showing him, they didn't toss him.

They tossed him, saw the highlights on Sportsdesk of him getting kicked out.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I caught most of the game but I missed Pillars catch. What an amazing catch. He is very Jim Edmonds-like out there.

[Alberta_Beef]

The best part of the first 2 games is the Jays are winning close games, that was their biggest issue last season. I know that in each game they had a 5-1 or 5-2 lead and gave up runs in the final few innings, but they still held on. Last year they needed to knock in a few more runs or they'd end up losing.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

They tossed him, saw the highlights on Sportsdesk of him getting kicked out.

Really? My bad. He sat there during the entire time it was being reviewed, nobody was talking to him. Strange.

[mrkajz44]

Well, that's sort of the game that Dickey has to pitch all year. He'll give up hits and have runners on quite a bit, but as long as he can limit the damage to 3 runs or less, that gives the Jays a good chance to win most nights. Would have liked to see him go more than 5 innings, but not complaining overall.

Really hope the Jays can grab another one before they go home. Leaving TB with a 3-1 is a big win in my books - Tropicana field for the Jays is almost equivalent to the Honda center for the Flames. I think the Jays have only won a series or two (at most) there in the past number of years.

[howard_the_duck]

Great first 2 games from the Jays. The depth of that lineup is something to behold, just so much power and patience spread throughout. I'm still not loving Pillar at the top but can't argue with the results so far.

Storen's velocity was a bit concerning I must say. Hopefully it picks up a tick once the season gets rolling.

Can't wait for Sanchez tonight! Hopefully he can go somewhat deep into the game to limit the bullpen, as I imagine Osuna would be unavailable tonight.

[Parallex]

Hopefully he can go somewhat deep into the game to limit the bullpen, as I imagine Osuna would be unavailable tonight.

He should have been unavailable last night. If you have a couple guys in the pen stretched out to start (Chavez & Floyd) you ought to have them go a couple of innings when the starter exits after 5.

[TheAlpineOracle]

So how does that guy get kicked out of the game? The replay shows he was clearly not hanging over the field of play.

[Blaster86]

So how does that guy get kicked out of the game? The replay shows he was clearly not hanging over the field of play.

Just Tropicana Field things.

[flames_fan_down_under]

EE so close to a 3 run homer there, sheesh.

[Karl]

So close to a big inning for the Jays.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Jays still driving up pitch counts early on pitchers, which is good.

[Jiggy_12]

Oh Russ. Why do they even bother?

[flames_fan_down_under]

2nd time through the Jays orders always harder on the pitcher.

[Skaloper]

Tulo really needs to get a new glove...

[Yoho]

Keep talking about the Jays starting 3-0 Buck nothing bad will happen.

[flames_fan_down_under]

^^^Especially in a 2-1 game.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Tulo really needs to get a new glove...

Tulowitzki hasn’t kept track, but he thinks he’s been using his raggedy game glove for about five years. He thinks it should last another five. He has no plans to stop using it. He uses it only in games, not in practice.

http://bluejaysnation.com/2016/4/5/troy-tulowitzki-s-unusual-defensive-style-is-all-part-of-his-plan-and-vital-to-the-blue-jays

[Skaloper]

http://bluejaysnation.com/2016/4/5/troy-tulowitzki-s-unusual-defensive-style-is-all-part-of-his-plan-and-vital-to-the-blue-jays

Last game they showed a ball get stuck in it and one went right through it tonight.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Tough night at the plate for Donaldson.

[V]

Man, if this is how the pitching is going to be all season the Jays are going to be unstoppable. Unreal.

[MRCboicgy]

Man, if this is how the pitching is going to be all season the Jays are going to be unstoppable. Unreal.

Enter Cecil.

[Karl]

Oh crap... Forsythe again. #### right off.

[The Big Chill]

2 on, one out. Come on, Joey!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Any reason Pillar didn't bunt there? Would have been a tie game.

[The Big Chill]

Any reason Pillar didn't bunt there? Would have been a tie game.

Playing for a multi run inning rather then giving away a free out.

[Sainters7]

Haha wow

[V]

Haha.

[Karl]

Oh #### yasssss!!!

[vegasbound]

Yes.

[Senator Clay Davis]

That was such a horrible throw to first. Not even close.

[V]

What was Jose doing there???

[Yoho]

I love the Jays, but I would call that back.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Hmmm....pretty close. Not sure there was enough to overturn.

[The Big Chill]

What a joke.

[Karl]

Wow....unbelivable. That sucks.

[flamesfan1297]

Wow, that's a friggin joke of a call

[vegasbound]

That's bull####

[corporatejay]

Yeah, offside rule for vaseball

[KootenayFlamesFan]

That is such a lame way to lose.

[Karl]

What a garbage call.

[Puddy27]

Well that rule is ridiculous lol

[The Big Chill]

Zaun telling it like it is

[Senator Clay Davis]

If nothing else the standard has been set for the season. Not even a slight touch it appears. Be fun to see how many games it could impact.

[The Big Chill]

What does the rule say exactly? What happens if you slide straight into the bag and there is contact?

[Yoho]

There is never going to be a legal rule you can reach out and interfere with the player throwing the ball.

[The Big Chill]

There is never going to be a legal rule you can reach out and interfere with the player throwing the ball.

Never is a strong word considering that a slide like that has only been illegal for 3 games now. That was perfectly fine 4 games ago.

[puffnstuff]

This rule is going to need to be tweaked...or abolished.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Incredibly selfish play by Bautista. I may not agree with the rule, but that is the rule and Bautista should be well aware of it.

That said for the second night in a row Gibbons shows he should not be in charge of a championship team. With Goins on first with no outs and down by one, you bunt with Pillar every single time. Had they bunted with Pilar, Goins score on Donaldson's broken bat single.

[Yoho]

Never is a strong word considering that a slide like that has only been illegal for 3 games now. That was perfectly fine 4 games ago.

I hear you , but whether he slid or or stood at 2nd, the minute he reaches out and contacts the opposition while he's playing or throwing the ball the play should be dead.

[TheAlpineOracle]

What does the rule say exactly? What happens if you slide straight into the bag and there is contact?

Bautista reached out and grabbed the guys leg. Had he just slid into second there wouldn't have been an issue.

[Senator Clay Davis]

The rule...

“requires runners to make a bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base,”


So yeah, should be fun interpreting that.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Tough way to lose but that's sort of how it goes for the Jays at Tropicana.

Lots to like about that game. Sanchez was awesome, the Jays fought to the end, Donaldson crushed that ball in the 9th which is a good sign, Bautista looks great.

Tough luck for Cecil.

[Karl]

Incredibly selfish play by Bautista. I may not agree with the rule, but that is the rule and Bautista should be well aware of it.

That said for the second night in a row Gibbons shows he should not be in charge of a championship team. With Goins on first with no outs and down by one, you bunt with Pillar every single time. Had they bunted with Pilar, Goins score on Donaldson's broken bat single.

Yeah, not quite.

Well I would've preferred they had Pillar bunt too, you can't guarantee that Donaldson would've produced the same result at the plate and got on base had Pillar executed the bunt to advance Goins.

[Skaloper]

Bautista reached out and grabbed the guys leg. Had he just slid into second there wouldn't have been an issue.

He did just slide into second without trying to hurt himself and bend his arm to avoid the second baseman...

Horrible call and will be changed because that is simply just playing baseball.

[puffnstuff]

Bautista reached out and grabbed the guys leg. Had he just slid into second there wouldn't have been an issue.

From the rule I read, his hand reaching out is not covered by the rule. The only thing he didnt do was stay in contact with the bag.

The runner must begin the slide -- i.e., make contact with the ground -- before he reaches the bag.
The runner must slide within reach of the bag and not change direction in order to make contact with the pivot man.
The runner must not only make contact with the bag with his hand or foot but also remain in contact with the bag for the duration of the slide.


Tough to change after youve been playing to take out the player for the last 20 years.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Yeah, not quite.

Well I would've preferred they had Pillar bunt too, you can't guarantee that Donaldson would've produced the same result at the plate and got on base had Pillar executed the bunt to advance Goins.

99.99% of the major league coaches bunt there. I like the guy, but Gibbons decisions are a clown show.

[TheAlpineOracle]

From the rule I read, his hand reaching out is not covered by the rule. The only thing he didnt do was stay in contact with the bag.

The runner must begin the slide -- i.e., make contact with the ground -- before he reaches the bag.
The runner must slide within reach of the bag and not change direction in order to make contact with the pivot man.
The runner must not only make contact with the bag with his hand or foot but also remain in contact with the bag for the duration of the slide.


Tough to change after youve been playing to take out the player for the last 20 years.

Bautista physically grabbed the guy's leg. That could have been rules interference even under the old rules.

[savemedrzaius]

Incredibly selfish play by Bautista. I may not agree with the rule, but that is the rule and Bautista should be well aware of it.

That said for the second night in a row Gibbons shows he should not be in charge of a championship team. With Goins on first with no outs and down by one, you bunt with Pillar every single time. Had they bunted with Pilar, Goins score on Donaldson's broken bat single.

Stupid? Maybe. But how is it selfish? He wanted his team to win and reached out his arm a little. Now he knows and they won't do it again. I think it was the right call. Just win tomorrow and it will be a great start to the season.

[Yoho]

He did just slide into second without trying to hurt himself and bend his arm to avoid the second baseman...

Horrible call and will be changed because that is simply just playing baseball.

No it's interference and cheating. Can't believe you are seriously interpreting that as "bending his arm to avoid the second baseman"

[Karl]

99.99% of the major league coaches bunt there. I like the guy, but Gibbons decisions are a clown show.

I already said I would've wanted Gibby to have Pillar bunt too so that sucked, but you're missing the point. There's no way we can guarantee Donaldson would've got the same result or even not hit into an out. So you can't say that absolutely cost Donaldson from driving in Goins or that cost the Jays runs.

[KelVarnsen]

I can't say I missed TAO.

[Roof-Daddy]

That's a fricken brutal rule, and a stupid a$$ call, but why for the love of pete does JB feel the need to grab the guys leg there?

[You Need a Thneed]

By the wording of the rule, whether Bautista intentionally reached out his hand is irrelevant.

By the definition of a "bona fide slide", Bautista's slide fits, and therefore, the play cannot be interference.

Bautista very clearly, IMO, reaches to bump/grab the foot. My interpretation of the rules says that's irrelevant, and I don't see how you could read the rules otherwise.

[Jiggy_12]

All I can say is I am thankful that happened in game 3 of the regular season. There is literally no better time to lose a game in that way. Move on. Forget it. Tons of season left.

Also. Sanchez.

[Inferno]

I guess players are suppose to tuck their arms into their chest like they're going down a waterslide now.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Sanchez looked amazing tonight. If him and Stroman prove to be the real deal the Jays have two legitimate aces under team control for many years.

[dino7c]

Its either a bad call or a dumb rule...no way a team should lose a game like that

[mrkajz44]

I think the call went against Jose because he slid past the bag, and therefore it wasn't a bona fide slide (ie no one would try to slide past second base).

I'm disappointed if this is how the rule will change plays at second base. Instead of instituting a blanket "nanny state" type rule, just come out and say they are watching for dirty slides and start handing out suspensions when guys are being dirty/dangerous.

And don't say it doesn't really matter because it's game 3. This division will likely be tight and a game or two might make the difference at the end of the year.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I already said I would've wanted Gibby to have Pillar bunt too so that sucked, but you're missing the point. There's no way we can guarantee Donaldson would've got the same result or even not hit into an out. So you can't say that absolutely cost Donaldson from driving in Goins or that cost the Jays runs.

There's no guarantee, I agree, but that's a no-brainer play all day long. Guy on first, none out, you move him over into scoring position. I mean, even if the Jays do nothing and lose it would've still been the right play. I really hope that's not the strategy going forward. I was pretty shocked Pillar was swinging away there. I don't get it.

[Cortez]

The thing that gets me is the the throw to first wasn't even THAT bad. The first baseman had a play on it but looked like he just flat out missed it. I've seen tons of guys at first scoop that throw up.

Stupid rule though. That game was intense in the 9th inning there and for it to end like that just plain sucks.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Rays are serving up a mediocre left handed pitcher in Matt Moore tommorow. The Jays should feast.

[browna]

Terrible. That said, they better be calling that like that in every game.

Waiting for the PC patrol to take offense to Gibby's post game rant.

[Jiggy_12]

And don't say it doesn't really matter because it's game 3. This division will likely be tight and a game or two might make the difference at the end of the year.

Never said it didn't matter, said I was thankful it happened in game 3. If this happened in September during a pennant race it would be much more crushing. Disagree?

[Derek Sutton]

IMO Pillar should've been bunting, heck he could tried bumting for a base hit and still advanced the runner. Nothing is ever a guarantee but with the small bats you have to play small ball, Pillar is not prone to the dp but staying out of the dp does not get the runner to second. As for the "slide" I think the right call was made, JB had only one reason for reaching with his hands and that was to cause interference. Proper feet first sliding, your hands are in front of you and in the air, unless you are reaching for the bag. Even though he barely grazed the player, he certainly caused interference.

[mrkajz44]

Never said it didn't matter, said I was thankful it happened in game 3. If this happened in September during a pennant race it would be much more crushing. Disagree?

Sorry - my comment was not directed at you, just the general sentiment of most fans that say the games in September matter more than those in April. Completely agree that this was a better time to happen, and likely easier for the team to move on from, rather than in a tight pennant race.

Really hope they can bounce back today, but the Tropicana House of Horrors may have something to say about that. At least its a day game, so I have 3+ hours of baseball to listen to at work. Always love that.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I can't say I missed TAO.

Why? Because I actually know a thing or two about baseball and am not going to blindly support anything Blue Jay?

That was the right call regardless of what rules regime is in place (this year or last), and a stupid play by Bautista.

Not bunting was a ridiculous decision by a manager who has a history of making some pretty poor decisions.

That said, who really cares? It's 1 game. We win tomorrow and we take 3 of 4 in Tampa which is a notorious Blue Jays slaughtering ground. I would have been happy with a split to start the season in Tampa.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Sorry - my comment was not directed at you, just the general sentiment of most fans that say the games in September matter more than those in April. Completely agree that this was a better time to happen, and likely easier for the team to move on from, rather than in a tight pennant race.

Really hope they can bounce back today, but the Tropicana House of Horrors may have something to say about that. At least its a day game, so I have 3+ hours of baseball to listen to at work. Always love that.

If you have Shaw, you can actually stream the games now on that Free Range TV App. It's pretty sweet. Just need a WIFI connection so you don't kill your data.

[TheAlpineOracle]

With Matt Moore on the hill tonight i'm expecting some Blue Jays fireworks. Probably 6-7 runs. Hopefully Happ can keep Tampa under control. Seems to be a lot of people down on Happ. I liked his last stint with the team and was quite disappointed when he was traded. I think he's going to surprise some people this year.

[mrkajz44]

If you have Shaw, you can actually stream the games now on that Free Range TV App. It's pretty sweet. Just need a WIFI connection so you don't kill your data.

Yeah, I think I'll just keep it to the radio feed - I think I'd be pushing my boundaries if I was streaming video to my phone / computer while at work. And there is something peaceful about listening to baseball on the radio; it just seems right.

[Dan02]

MVP! MVP!

too early?

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Donaldson with a 3 run Homer!

[mrkajz44]

Given his strikeouts so far this year - maybe...

I think the Jays are going to be a bit like the Yankees were a few years ago. Live and die by the HR. Can be very frustrating for the other team especially with the multi-run homers. So far it sounds like TB has outplayed TOR in general, but suddenly they find themselves in a 3-0 hole.

[jayswin]

So what's the deal with Estrada?

[InBurkeWeTrust]

wtf there's a game? lol

[Roof-Daddy]

So what's the deal with Estrada?

Little bit of a back issue. He's supposed to start on Sunday.

[bomber317]

Sometimes I wish the pitch tracker wasn't there.

I keep thinking Robot umps for the strike zone with some of the calls.

[Bobblehead]

Why? Because I actually know a thing or two about baseball and am not going to blindly support anything Blue Jay?

That was the right call regardless of what rules regime is in place (this year or last), and a stupid play by Bautista.

Not bunting was a ridiculous decision by a manager who has a history of making some pretty poor decisions.

That said, who really cares? It's 1 game. We win tomorrow and we take 3 of 4 in Tampa which is a notorious Blue Jays slaughtering ground. I would have been happy with a split to start the season in Tampa.
Because you carry on like you are god's gift baseball and and you try to convince people your opinion is fact.

Browbeating people who don't agree with you turns people away from participating in this thread. You're encouraged to share your opinion, but realize you are probably wrong at least as often as anyone else, so accusing anyone who doesn't agree with you of "blindly supporting the Blue Jays" makes you look like a pompous jerk.

In this case I would maybe agree with you, but since I don't want to be painted with the same brush as you, you are on your own.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Looked off the base to me there, but it was pretty close.

Getting tired of all the reviews now though.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Something, anything, from Collabello or Martin at this point would be nice.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Because you carry on like you are god's gift baseball and and you try to convince people your opinion is fact.

Browbeating people who don't agree with you turns people away from participating in this thread. You're encouraged to share your opinion, but realize you are probably wrong at least as often as anyone else, so accusing anyone who doesn't agree with you of "blindly supporting the Blue Jays" makes you look like a pompous jerk.

In this case I would maybe agree with you, but since I don't want to be painted with the same brush as you, you are on your own.

I don't have a problem disagreeing with me at all. I have a problem with people posting drive by one liners (not you by the way) while adding nothing to the conversation at all.

[vegasbound]

Of course it's Souza

[Machiavelli]

Well Damn

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Darn, thought Pillar had that. Bounces off the top of the wall and out, 3-2.

[jayswin]

So is this a typical game from Happ? He's kind of scary to watch, doesn't inspire much confidence.

[vegasbound]

Way too many strikeouts.

[TheAlpineOracle]

So is this a typical game from Happ? He's kind of scary to watch, doesn't inspire much confidence.

What's making him look scary? I can't watch the game, but I see he's only given up one run in the bottom of the 6th. Lucky to get out of some jams?

[flames_fan_down_under]

Way too many strikeouts.

You aren't going to get a lot of walks from Pillar. It's either contact or strikeout. I'm still not sold on him being a lead off hitter.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Great, something wrong with JD? Leg, groin?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

You aren't going to get a lot of walks from Pillar. It's either contact or strikeout. I'm still not sold on him being a lead off hitter.

I don't like him there at all, he's like Tulo last year, just doesn't look overly confident in that spot. Not sure who else to put there though.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

JD done for the day. Barney moves to 3rd, Goins comes in at 2nd.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Happ done after a lead off walk in the 7th, Gavin Floyd comes in.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Nice job by Floyd. Off to the 8th.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Any word on JD?

[vegasbound]

Any word on JD?
Nothing yet

[mrkajz44]

Apparently Buck Martinez thought it might be allergies :blink:

Looks like he was limping, so people are guessing leg / groin / lower back. Probably won't hear much until at least tomorrow as its an off day tomorrow.

[vegasbound]

Souza again. 2nd home run of the day for him.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Oh for..............5-3 Tampa

[InBurkeWeTrust]

mehh

[TheAlpineOracle]

Wow this bullpen is troublesome so far this year. Shades of the start of the season last year.

[mrkajz44]

So why not Storen there with Osuna in the 9th? Bizarre.

The Tropicana House of Horrors strikes again - Donaldson hurt / two blown leads in the 8th. Get them out of there!

[Parallex]

So why not Storen there with Osuna in the 9th? Bizarre.


I'm guessing because he pitched the day before last and warmed up yesterday. Gibby is an excellent manager... except in regards to the bullpen. Arnold Leon has no business being called upon in a high leverage situation. None.

[Jiggy_12]

So why not Storen there with Osuna in the 9th? Bizarre.

The Tropicana House of Horrors strikes again - Donaldson hurt / two blown leads in the 8th. Get them out of there!

I guess since he pitched Sunday and loosened up in the pen both Monday and yesterday the Jays didn't want to use him tonight.

Positive so far, starting rotation has been on point.

Start of the season is always a mess, just have to get through it. Getting out of the trop with a split is fine. Just hope Donaldaon isn't lost. That would obviously be massively bad.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I'm trying hard to be positive but my god Gibbons is terrible at managing the pen. Neither Osuna and Storen pitched last night. The fact they weren't there in a one run game is inexcusable.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Good battle by Cola, base hit to lead off the 9th.

[Jiggy_12]

With the off day tomorrow, I would have throw Osuna in there once Floyd hit trouble in the 8th and let him take the 8th and 9th.

It's early, they'll learn. But this has been a costly mistake.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Good gravy Martin, double play :(

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Game over. Looked promising but the 8th killed them.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Zaun and Campbell don't sound too pleased with Gibby right now. Can't say I blame them, not sure why Leon came in when he did. Not the best time to bring him in to see what he can do.

It's very, very early but can't say I agree with how Gibbons has handled the team so far.

[Jiggy_12]

John Gibbons says calf strain for Josh Donaldson, not considered serious issue. #BlueJays

Calf strain for Josh Donaldson, per Gibby. Says it's been nagging him a few days. Gibby doesn't think it's a big deal. #BlueJays

Thank goodness.

[Resolute 14]

If you can only manage three runs off what the Rays threw out on the mound, you don't deserve to win.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I wonder how short Gibbons leash is this year. A bad start (say 6-12 or something) and I think he gets canned right away.

[Parallex]

Neither Osuna and Storen pitched last night. The fact they weren't there in a one run game is inexcusable.

Storen is kind of excusable, he'd have been "used" three days in a row considering his warmup yesterday. What wasn't excusable was burning Chavez for 1 out yesterday (thus making him unavailable today) and managing to the save (which is the only reason to not use Osuna).

Let's just hope that the medicals come back positive on Donaldson.

[mrkajz44]

John Gibbons says calf strain for Josh Donaldson, not considered serious issue. #BlueJays

Calf strain for Josh Donaldson, per Gibby. Says it's been nagging him a few days. Gibby doesn't think it's a big deal. #BlueJays

Thank goodness.

I dunno - this team has a history of downplaying injuries. It seems every time they say "day-to-day" it ends up as a 15 day DL stint at least.

[Jiggy_12]

Storen is kind of excusable, he'd have been "used" three days in a row considering his warmup yesterday. What wasn't excusable was burning Chavez for 1 out yesterday (thus making him unavailable today) and managing to the save (which is the only reason to not use Osuna).

Let's just hope that the medicals come back positive on Donaldson.

Yup. That right there is what gets me. You have your best reliever available for a high leverage situation and you keep him seated "in case" you still have the lead in the 9th inning. The old school bullpen management style is so frustrating to continue to watch year after year.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I agree with pretty much everything Zaun is saying. It's the first series of the year and you can go 3-1. You have a day off before Friday's game. The season just started......why are we worrying about resting guys? This was a huge series, even if it is the first of the year. 3-1 is a lot better than 2-2.

[Jiggy_12]

I dunno - this team has a history of downplaying injuries. It seems every time they say "day-to-day" it ends up as a 15 day DL stint at least.

The only positive I suppose is it's something the team was already aware of prior, and still chose to play him, leaving me to believe it's not something serious. If it is - then I am really disappointed they would take that risk in game 4 of the season and an afternoon game after just playing the evening before.